GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Saints continue to expand their athletics program with the announcement of Competitive Stunt as a varsity sport beginning in the fall of 2025. Stunt, one of the fastest-growing women's sports in the nation, focuses on the athletic and technical aspects of cheerleading, blending elements of stunting, tumbling, jumps, and pyramids in a competitive environment.
Excitement Surrounding the Return of Stunt
AQ Cheerleading Head Coach and now STUNT Head Coach, Sue Smith shared her enthusiasm for the addition of stunt:
"I am so excited to be bringing STUNT back to Aquinas! This is a dynamic sport that focuses on the athleticism of cheer. STUNT adds one more opportunity for athletes that participate in our multifaceted cheer program. Everyone that I have talked to currently participating in STUNT loves the sport and says it's their favorite competition style. Fall of 2025 will be an exciting time as we grow our program with the addition of STUNT!"
Stunt's inclusion as a varsity sport offers more opportunities for female athletes to compete at the collegiate level while representing Aquinas in a sport that combines precision, teamwork, and athleticism.
Aquinas College Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Terry Keller says, "I am thrilled about adding STUNT to our athletic opportunities as this aligns with our institutional and athletics trajectory at Aquinas College."
What Is Competitive Stunt?
Competitive stunt, often referred to as "stunt cheerleading," is a fast-paced NCAA-recognized sport that emphasizes execution and athleticism rather than crowd involvement.
In a stunt competition, two teams compete head-to-head, performing identical routines. Each routine is judged on factors such as execution, synchronization, creativity, and difficulty, with the team that performs it best earning a point.
The competition is divided into four quarters, with each quarter focusing on specific skill sets:
- Stunt Sequences: Precision lifts, tosses, and pyramids.
- Tumbling: Gymnastics-style acrobatics like flips and handsprings.
- Jumps: Synchronized jumps and creative transitions.
- Team Routine: A comprehensive routine that combines all elements.
At the end of the four quarters, the team with the most points is declared the winner.
History and Growth of Competitive Stunt
Stunt gained momentum at the collegiate level in the late 2000s and was officially recognized by the NCAA in 2010 as an emerging sport for women. Its rise reflects a broader effort to create more opportunities for female athletes and diversify the competitive landscape of women's sports.
Before NCAA recognition, stunt was primarily a club-level activity, with teams competing in regional and national events organized by cheerleading governing bodies. Today, stunt is widely recognized as an NCAA emerging sport, with collegiate teams across the country competing in regular-season events and national championships.
The Future of Stunt at Aquinas and Beyond
With its inclusion at Aquinas College, stunt continues to grow in visibility and accessibility. The sport's fast-paced, judged format provides an exciting opportunity for athletes to showcase their skills and for fans to enjoy high-energy competitions.
Stunt's popularity is expected to increase, with potential developments including:
- Increased Media Coverage: Broader recognition of the sport through television and streaming platforms.
- Sponsorship Opportunities: Financial support to enhance team operations and community outreach.
- Collegiate Expansion: More institutions adopting stunt programs, creating new opportunities for competition.
As the NCAA continues to support stunt, the sport's credibility and appeal will grow, offering even more female athletes the chance to compete at a high level while pursuing their academic goals.
A Dynamic Future Awaits
Competitive stunt is more than just a sport—it's a unique blend of athleticism, artistry, and teamwork. With Aquinas College embracing stunt as a varsity sport, the Saints are taking a significant step toward supporting the growth of women's sports while creating opportunities for student-athletes to shine.
Fall 2025 promises to be an exciting time for Aquinas Athletics as they bring this fast-paced, thrilling sport to their growing athletics program.
